Insertion system for intraocular lens

ABSTRACT

An insertion system for an intraocular lens includes an intraocular lens having a deformable optical portion, a lens package for storing the lens in a state in which no stress acts on the optical portion of the lens, a deforming member for deforming the lens to a reduced size, and an insertion device. The insertion device has an insertion tube through which the deformed lens is inserted into an eye, and a pusher mechanism for pushing and inserting the lens into the eye. The lens package has a function for attachment to the insertion device and a function for acting as a portion of the mechanism to be provided by the insertion device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for inserting a deformableintraocular lens into the eye. Examples of such a deformable intraocularlens include a deformable intraocular lens that is inserted into the eyein place of the natural lens when the later is physically extractedbecause of cataracts, and a vision correction lens that is inserted intothe eye for the sole purpose of vision correction.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, during cataract surgery, an intraocular lens is insertedinto the eye, from which the natural lens has been removed (lens-removedeye), such that the intraocular lens is located in the original positionpreviously occupied by the natural lens and restores vision. Variousstudies on the material and shape of such an intraocular lens have beencarried out since Ridley performed the first implantation of anartificial lens in 1949.

In recent years, in addition to studies on intraocular lenses which areused for vision restoration after cataract surgery, intense studies onintraocular lenses for refractivity correction have been ongoing. Suchan intraocular lens for refractivity correction is inserted into the eyewhich still has a natural lens (lens-carrying eye), for correction ofnearsightedness or farsightedness.

In relation to cataract surgery, a technique for crushing the lenstissue by means of ultrasonic emulsification and suctioning the crushedtissue away has been popularized. This technique enables performance oflens removal surgery to excise an opaque lens through a small incision.Along with progress in the operational technique itself, intraocularlenses themselves have recently been improved. Such an improvedintraocular lens is disclosed in, for example, Japanese PatentApplication Laid-Open (kokai) No. 58-146346. In the intraocular lens,the optical portion is made of a deformable elastic material. Theintraocular lens is inserted, in a folded state, into the eye through asmall incision and restored to its original shape within the eyeallowing it to exert its proper lens function.

Accompanying these technical developments, the material of the opticalportion of such an intraocular lens has been changed gradually from hardpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to silicone or soft acrylic resin, whichenables the intraocular lens to be inserted into the eye in a foldedstate.

Moreover, in recent years, studies have been conducted on copolymerssuch as hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate, as well as onhydrophilic materials such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA).

Further, intraocular lenses of different shapes have been studied andput into practical use, including an intraocular lens having a circularoptical portion and loop-shaped support portions formed of differentmaterials, an intraocular lens whose loop-shaped support portions andoptical portion are formed of the same material, and an intraocular lenshaving plate-shaped support portions.

Furthermore, the following patent publications disclose insertiondevices for inserting the above-described deformable intraocular lensinto the eye in a compressed or folded state.

(1) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 5-103803 disclosesa device designed such that a holding member which holds a folded lensis attached to a main body, and the lens is inserted into the eyethrough an insertion tube provided at the tip end of the holding member.

(2) Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 7-23991 disclosesa disposable insertion device for one-time use in which a portion forholding a folded lens is integrated with a main body of the device andthe entirety of the device is formed of resin.

(3) Japanese Kohyo (PCT) Patent Publication No. 9-506285 discloses anintraocular-lens insertion device having a broadened range ofapplications. In the intraocular-lens insertion device, a lens is heldin a stress-free state in an intermediate preparation region of a mainbody. After attachment of a cannulae (insertion tube) to the main body,the intraocular lens is inserted into the eye through the cannulae. Theintermediate region serves as a lens package.

The conventional intraocular-lens insertion devices described in (1) and(2) above have the following drawbacks. When either of these devices isused, an intraocular lens removed from a package is placed on aplacement portion of the device, is deformed, and then inserted into theeye. Therefore, during actual operation, work for placing theintraocular lens onto the device is needed, resulting in increased timeand labor involved in implantation of the intraocular lens.

Further, such an intraocular lens and insertion device must be madegerm-free through a sterilization procedure, because they are insertedinto the eye through an incision. However, if an operator accidentallydrops the lens and/or the insertion device onto an unclean surface, suchas a floor or table, during the placement operation, the germ-free stateis lost, and the lens and/or the insertion device become unusable.

Further, when the operator forcedly inserts into the eye an intraocularlens which has been placed on the device improperly, the lens may bebroken, or may forcible fly out from the insertion tube, potentiallyresulting in damage to the internal tissue of the eye.

The intraocular-lens insertion device described in (3) above has thefollowing drawbacks. Although the intermediate region of the device canbe used as a lens package, work for attaching a cannulae (insertiontube) to the main body must be performed during actual use, because thecannulae (insertion tube) is a member which is formed separately fromthe main body. Although a technique for storing in advance anintraocular lens at the intermediate region located on the center axisof a push rod, the intermediate region is difficult to be formed from amaterial suitable for storing the lens. In addition, the intermediateregion cannot be formed to have a function necessary for properlyholding an intraocular lens having loop-shaped support portions. Thatis, although such an intraocular lens must be stored in a state in whichthe angle between the optical portion and the support portions of theintraocular lens is maintained, the intermediate region of theconventional insertion device cannot provide such an angle maintainingfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an insertion system fora deformable intraocular lens, which system eliminates or simplifies anoperation of placing a lens on an insertion device to thereby save thetime involved in the placement operation, while solving drawbacksinvolved in conventional insertion devices, such as breakage of a lensor improper insertion of a lens, which would otherwise be caused by animproper operation by an operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an insertionsystem for a deformable intraocular lens, which system enables anoperator to freely select an intraocular lens and an insertion device inconsideration of a selected operation method or the status of a patient.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention provides aninsertion system for an intraocular lens, comprising: an intraocularlens having a deformable optical portion; a lens package for storing thelens in a state in which no stress acts on the optical portion of thelens; deforming means for deforming the lens to a reduced size; and aninsertion device having, an insertion tube through which the deformedlens is inserted into an eye, and a pusher mechanism for pushing andinserting the lens into the eye. The lens package has a function forattachment to the insertion device and a function for acting as aportion of the mechanism to be provided by the insertion device.

The insertion system according to the present invention eliminates orsimplifies an operation of removing an intraocular lens from a lens caseand setting a lens on an insertion device. In addition, the insertionsystem according to the present invention prevents erroneous operation,to thereby improve safety. Further, the insertion system enables anoperator to freely select an intraocular lens and an insertion device tothereby obtain an intraocular-lens insertion system optimal for aselected operation method or the status of a patient.

Preferably, the deforming means is formed integrally with the insertiontube. In this case, the structure of the insertion device for deformingthe intraocular lens can be simplified.

Preferably, at least a portion of the deforming means is formedintegrally with the lens package. In this case as well, the structure ofthe insertion device for deforming the intraocular lens can besimplified.

Preferably, when the lens package is attached to the insertion device,the center of the lens coincides with the center axis of a push rodwhich constitutes the pusher mechanism. This structure enables theintraocular lens to be automatically positioned at a position for use,through an operation of attaching the lens package in the insertiondevice.

Preferably, the insertion system further comprises a lens movingmechanism for moving the lens from a standby position at which thecenter of the lens does not coincide with the center axis of a push rodwhich constitutes the pusher mechanism to an insertion position at whichthe center of the lens coincides with the center axis of the push rod.This structure enables the lens package to have an additional functionother then the function of storing the lens. An example of such anadditional function in maintaining an angle between the support portionsand the optical portion of the lens. In addition, through a simpleoperation of moving the lens, the intraocular-lens insertion system canbe brought into a state for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and many of the attendant advantages ofthe present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiment when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the concept of an intraocular-lensinsertion system according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing a first embodiment of theintraocular-lens insertion system according to the present invention,wherein FIG. 2A is a front view of an insertion device carrying a lenscase, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the insertion device;

FIGS. 3A to 3D are views showing the lens case shown in FIG. 2A, whereinFIG. 3A is a plan view of the lens case,. FIG. 3B is a left side view ofthe lens case, FIG. 3C is a right side view of the lens case, and FIG.3D is a cross section taken along line 3D—3D is FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2A and showing a state inwhich the lens case is separated from the insertion device;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a modification of the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a modified example of the insertion tubeemployed in the first embodiment;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing a second embodiment of theintraocular-lens insertion system according to the present invention,wherein FIG. 7A is a front view of an insertion device showing a statein which the lens case has been attached to the insertion device and inwhich the introcular lens is located at a first or standby position, andFIG. 7B is a front view of the insertion device showing a state in whichthe lens is located at a second or insertion position;

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing a state in which the lens case isseparated from the insertion device shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, whereinFIG. 8A is a front view of the insertion device, FIG. 8B is an enlargedplane view of the lens case, and FIG. 8C is a cross section taken alongline 8C—8C in FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9A and 9B are cross sections of the lens case taken along line 9—9in FIG. 8A, wherein FIG. 9A shows a state in which the intraocular lensis located at a standby position, and FIG. 9B shows a state in which thepress member of the lens is located at a insertion position;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing the second embodiment, wherein FIG.10A is a cross section taken along line 10A—10A in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 10Bis a cross section taken along line 10B—10B in FIG. 7B;

FIG. 11 is a front view of an insertion device showing one modificationof the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7A and 7B in a state in which alens case is separated from the insertion device;

FIG. 12 shows cross section corresponding to those of FIGS. 10A and 10Band showing another modification of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.7A and 7B, in which the lens case has a modified base portion; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the insertion tubeof the insertion device used in the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the concept of an intraocular-lensinsertion system according to the present invention.

The system according to the present invention is mainly composed of alens case 10, which serves as a lens package for storing an intraocularlens 20, and an insertion device 30 for inserting the intraocular lens20 into the eye of a patient.

The lens case 10 includes a lens case top 11 and a lens case bottom 12,which are assembled so as to form a space 15 for storing the intraocularlens 20. The lens case 10 has a through hole 13, which penetrates thelens case 10 in the longitudinal direction thereof and which serves as aportion of the mechanism to be provided by the insertion device 30. Aninsertion tube 32 is formed at the tip end of the insertion device 30via an attachment portion 35. The intraocular lens 20 is inserted intothe eye of the patient through the insertion tube 32. A pusher mechanism34 is disposed at the rear end 31a of a tubular main body 31 of theinsertion device 30. The pusher mechanism 34 is coupled to the rear endof a push rod 33 for pushing the intraocular lens 20 into the eye.

The lens case 10 is formed to have a size that enables attachment of thelens case 10 to the attachment portion 35 of the insertion device 30.The lens case 10 is fixed onto the attachment portion 35 while beingaligned therewith by means of a projection 14 projecting from the lenscase top 11 of the lens case 10 and an engagement hole 36 formed in theattachment portion 35. Subsequently, the push rod 33 is advanced bymeans of the pusher mechanism 34. As a result, the intraocular lens 20stored in the lens case 10 is pushed out from the tip end 32a of theinsertion tube 32 and inserted into the eye.

The above-described structure realizes the concept of the presentinvention such that when the lens case 10 serving as a lens package isattached to the insertion device 30, the lens case 10 functions as aportion of the mechanism to be provided by the insertion device 30.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing a first embodiment of theintraocular-lens insertion system according to the present invention,wherein FIG. 2A is a front view of the insertion device 30 to which thelens case 10 has been attached, and FIG. 2B is a bottom view of theinsertion device 30.

The tubular main body 31 of the insertion device 30 is formed oftransparent or semi-transparent plastic such that the diameter at thebase end 31a is smaller than that at the tip end 31b. Theabove-mentioned push shaft 33 is disposed to be located on the centeraxis of the tubular main body 31, and the through hole of the taperedinsertion tube 32 is aligned with the center axis of the tubular mainbody 31.

The above-mentioned engagement hole 36 is formed in the horizontalregion of the attachment portion 35, and a notch is formed on therearward-facing surface of a front-side vertical wall of the attachmentportion 35. The engagement hole 36 and the notch 37 cooperate toposition the lens case 10 relative to the attachment portion 35.

As is clearly shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the lens case 10 is constitutedthrough assembly of the lens case top 11, on which is placed theintraocular lens 20, and the lens case bottom 12 formed to cover theupper face of the intraocular lens 20 placed on the lens case top 11.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of the lens case, FIG. 3B is a left side view ofthe lens case, FIG. 3C is a right side view of the lens case, and FIG.3D is a cross section taken along line 3D—3D is FIG. 3A;

A groove-shaped depression 11a is formed on the upper surface of thelens case top 11 such that the depression 11a extends in the horizontaldirection in FIG. 3A. Support portions 22 of the intraocular lens 20 forsupporting the optical portion 21 of the intraocular lens 20 are placedin the depression 11a. The above-described projection 14 to be engagedwith the engagement hole 36 of the attachment portion 35 is formed onthe lower surface of the lens case top 11 to be located at a positionwhich is slightly offset rightward from the center in FIG. 3A. The lenscase bottom 12 for covering the upper surface of the lens case top 11 isformed such that the lens case bottom 12 can be fitted onto the lenscase top 11 while covering the upper surface and circumferential (side)surface of the lens case top 11. The above-described through hole 13 isformed in the left and right walls 12a and 12b such that the center ofthe through hole 13 is aligned with the center axis of the tubular mainbody 31 of the insertion device 30 when the lens case 10 is attached tothe attachment portion 35.

The specific procedure for placement of the lens case 10 is as follows.First, the intraocular lens 20 is placed on the lens case top 11 suchthat the optical portion 21 of the lens 20 corresponds to the depression11a of the lens case top 11 and such that the optical portion 21 andsupport portions 22 of the intraocular lens 20 are supported by the edgeportions of the depression 11a. Subsequently, the lens case bottom 12 isplaced on the lens case top 11, so that a space 15 is formed between thelens case bottom 12 and the lens case top 11. The space 15 has a shapeand size such that movement of the intraocular lens within the space 15is restricted. Further, the shape of the space 15 is determined suchthat the optical portion 21 of the intraocular lens 20 does not comeinto contact with the inner surface of the lens case top 11 or the innersurface of the lens case bottom 12, thereby preventing the opticalcharacteristics of the optical portion 21 from changing due to forceacting on the optical portion 21 during long-term storage.

The through hole 13 of the lens case 10 is reduced in diameter towardthe tip end thereof. The intraocular lens 20 and the push rod 33 passthrough the through hole 13. After attachment of the lens case 10 to theinsertion device 30, the push rod 33 is advanced through operation ofthe pusher mechanism 34. As a result, the intraocular lens 20 within thelens case 10 is gradually deformed to a smaller size and is moved intothe insertion tube 32. Subsequently, after the tip end 32a of theinsertion tube 32 is inserted into the eye through an incision formedthereon, the push rod 33 is advanced further, so that the intraocularlens 20 is deformed to a further reduced size by means of the insertiontube 32 and is then pushed into the eye.

Thus, the lens case 10 provides a portion of the function of theinsertion device 30 upon attachment to the insertion device 30.

FIGS. 3B and 3D show the diameter of the through hole 13 of the lenscase 10 being gradually reduced toward the tip end thereof. That is, thetransverse dimension C of the space 15—which receives the intraocularlens 20 placed on the lens top case 11 of the lens case 10 as shown inFIG. 3D—is reduced to a transverse dimension D which corresponds to thatmeasured at the tip end of the through hole 13 as shown in FIG. 3B. Thisconfiguration enables the intraocular lens 20 to enter a deformed statefrom a non-deformed state while being moved through the through hole 13by means of the push rod 33.

At the tip end, the through hole 13 has an asymmetrical shape withrespect to the vertical direction. Further, rail 16 projecting towardthe center of the through hole 13 is formed such that the rail 16extends in the direction of movement of the intraocular lens 20. Thisconfiguration enables the intraocular lens 20 to be formed into anintended shape.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a state in which the lens case 10 isseparated from the insertion device 30 used in the first embodiment ofthe intraocular-lens insertion system according to the presentinvention. The notch 37 is formed on a rearward-facing surface of thefront-side vertical wall of the attachment portion 35 at a positioncorresponding to the height A of the lens case 10. The notch function ofthe notch 37 prevents unintentional separation of the attached lens case10 from the attachment portion 35. The projection 14 of the lens case 10and the engagement hole 36 of the attachment portion 35 are formed tohave shapes and dimensions which enable establishment of fittingengagement therebetween, so that the relative position between them canbe fixed. These mechanism enables the lens case 10 as shown in FIG. 2Ato be attached to the insertion device 30.

FIG. 4 shows an example in which the lens case 10 is attached to theinsertion device 30 from above. However, the present invention is notlimited to such a style of attachment, and an alternative attachmentmethod may be employed. Specifically, the lens case 10 carrying theintraocular lens 20 is placed on a desk or table in a state in which theprojection 14 of the lens case top 11 faces upward; and the insertiondevice 30 is inverted and placed on the lens case 10 from above so as tocover it.

Since such an intraocular-lens insertion system must be used in agerm-free environment, during actual use of the insertion system, anoperator must use the system while wearing gloves, which hinders fineoperation. Therefore, the above-described attachment method in whichattachment of the lens case 10 is achieved through moving the insertiondevice 30—which is larger and easier to hold than the lens case 10—ispreferable.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a modification of the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. In place of the engagement hole 36 provided on theattachment portion 35, an engagement groove 38 is provided. Theengagement groove 38 extends in a direction perpendicular to the pushrod 33. The lens case 10 is attached to the insertion device 30 from theside thereof and is fixed by means of a notch 39. Portions other thanthe above-mentioned portions are denoted by the same reference numeralsas those used in FIG. 2, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

In the present embodiment as well, the attachment method employed in theabove-described first embodiment can be used. That is, the lens case 10is placed on a desk or table; and the insertion device 30 is invertedand placed on the lens case 10 from above. This attachment methodprovides the same effect as that mentioned above.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a modified example of the insertion tube32 employed in the first embodiment.

The insertion tube 32 shown in FIG. 6 is formed to have a taperedthrough hole whose diameter gradually decreases toward the tip endthereof. Therefore, the intraocular lens 20 pushed into the base end 32bof the insertion tube 32 by means of the push rod 33 can be deformed toa smaller size.

There has been shown an intraocular-lens insertion system designed suchthat the lens case 10 serving as a lens package provides a portion ofthe function of the insertion device 30 upon attachment thereto.Further, in the above-described embodiment, the lens case 10 and theinsertion tube 32 form deforming means for deforming the intraocularlens 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and theconfiguration of the system may be modified to assume variousconfigurations; e.g., a configuration such that only the lens case 10 isused to deform the intraocular lens 20 to a small size suitable forinsertion into the eye, and the thus-deformed lens 20 is passed throughthe insertion tube 32 and inserted into the eye; and a configurationsuch that deforming means is not provided on the lens case 10, but isprovided on the insertion tube 32.

In the above-described embodiment, the intraocular lens 20 hasplate-shaped support portions 22 extending from the opposite ends of theoptical portion 21.

In the specification, the term “center of the intraocular lens 20”refers to the center in the thickness direction located on the opticalaxis of the optical portion 21.

A second embodiment of the intraocular-lens insertion system accordingto the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 7Ato FIG. 13. In the present embodiment, an intraocular lens 50horizontally stored in a lens case 40 serving as a lens package is movedbetween a first or standby position at which the vertical position ofthe center of the intraocular lens 50 does not coincide with the centeraxis of the push rod 33 of the insertion device 30, and a second orinsertion position at which the vertical position of the center of theintraocular lens 50 coincides with the center axis of the push rod 33 ofthe insertion device 30, so that the intraocular lens 50 can be pushedout by the push rod 33.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the insertion device 30 to which the lenscase 40 has been attached and in which the intraocular lens 50 islocated at the first or standby position, and FIG. 7B is a front view ofthe insertion device 30 in which the intraocular lens 50 is located atthe second or insertion position.

In the first or standby position shown in FIG. 7A, the vertical positionof the center of the lens does not coincide with the center axis of thepush rod 33 represented by an alternate long and short dash line L. Whena push member 43 of the lens case top 41 is pushed downward in FIG. 7A,the intraocular lens 50 is moved downward to the second or insertionposition shown in FIG. 7B, at which the vertical position of the centerof the lens substantially coincides with the center axis of the push rod33. In this second or insertion position, the intraocular lens 50 can bepushed out from the tip end 32a of the insertion tube 32 into the eyethrough advancing movement of the push rod 33 effected by the pushermechanism 34 provided at the rear end 31a of the tubular main body 31.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are views showing a state in which the lens case 40 isseparated from the insertion device 30. Specifically, FIG. 8A is a frontview of the insertion device 30; FIG. 8B is an enlarged plane view ofthe lens case 40; and FIG. 8C is a cross section taken along line 8C—8Cin FIG. 8B.

The attachment portion 35 is attached in advance to the insertion device30 shown in FIG. 8A. The lens case 40 consists of a lens case top 41 anda lens case base 42 having a structure suitable for supporting theintraocular lens 50 having loop-shaped support portions 52 made of amaterial different from that of the optical portion 51. Specifically,the lens case base 42 has engagement portions 42b which have inclinedsurfaces 42a of angle θ extending in opposite longitudinal directions inorder to maintain the angle θ between the optical portion 51 and thesupport portions 52 of the intraocular lens 50. The lens case top 41 hason its bottom surface 41b inclined surfaces to be mated with theinclined surfaces 42a of the lens case base 42. After placement of thelens 50 on the lens case base 42, the lens case top 41 is placed on thelens case base 42, so that the support portions 52 of the lens 50 aresandwiched between the lens case base 42 and the lens case top 41.

As described above, the lens case top 41 is provided with the pushmember 43. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the lens case base 42 has anopening 42c in the top surface thereof and projections 42e in thevicinity of the lower ends of opposite side walls 42d. The projections42e elastically engage with engagement steps 38 formed in the vicinityof the lower ends of the lateral side surfaces of the attachment portion35. The longitudinal opposite ends of the lens case base 42 are opened,giving the lens case base 42 a squarish C-like cross section. Further,the paired engagement portions 42b are formed on the inner surfaces ofthe side walls 42d to be located at the approximate center in thevertical direction. The engagement portions 42b extend in thelongitudinal direction and are adapted to receive the peripheralportions of the optical portion 51 and the support portions 52 of theintraocular lens 50. As shown in FIG. 8C, the inclined surfaces 42a eachhaving an inclination angle θ are formed on the engagement portions 42bin order to maintain the angle θ between the optical portion 51 and thesupport portions 52 of the intraocular lens 50.

The lens case top 41 to be inserted into the top surface opening 42c ofthe lens case base 42 has a hollow nipping member 41a having arectangular frame-like shape, and the above-mentioned push member 43 isdisposed in the nipping member 41a to be movable in the verticaldirection. The bottom surface 41b of the nipping member 41a has inclinedportions to come into contact with the inclined surfaces 42a of theengagement portions 42b of the lens case base 42. Upper and lowerdepressions 41d and 41e are formed at a predetermined interval on eachof the inner surface 41c of the opposite lateral walls such that theupper depressions 41d are opposed to each other and the lowerdepressions 41e are opposed to each other.

The above-mentioned push member 43 is inserted into the opening 41f ofthe nipping member 41a and is pressed downward in order to move theintraocular lens 50 from the standby position to the insertion position.The push member 43 has a head portion 43a of large diameter and aprism-shaped leg portion 43b. Protrusions 43c are formed on theperipheral surface thereof and in the vicinity of the lower end thereofso as to be engaged selectively with the upper depressions 41d or thelower depressions 41e of the nipping member 41a. Specifically, at thestandby position, the protrusions 43c of the push member 43 engage thedepressions 41d, and when the push member 43 is pressed, the protrusions43c move downward and come into engagement with the depressions 41e. Aconcave surface 43d is formed on the bottom surface of the leg portion43a, and a ridge 43f for supporting the peripheral portion of theintraocular lens 50 is formed on the concave surface 43d.

When the intraocular lens 50 is to be moved from the first or standbyposition shown in FIG. 10A to the second or insertion position shown inFIG. 10B, the head portion 43a of the push member 43 of the lens top 41is pressed down such that the intraocular lens 50—which is nipped by thelens case base 42 and the lens case top 41 of the lens case 40 is movedto a lens movement portion 39 of the attachment portion 35. The lensmovement portion 39 has a shape of a concavely-curved groove. Thus, theperipheral portion of the intraocular lens 50 comes into engagement withthe reverse surfaces of the opening projection edges 39b provided at theopening of a curved concave portion 39a. As a result of this movement,the vertical position of the center of the lens 50 substantiallycoincides with the center axis of the push rod 33. When the push rod 33is advanced, the intraocular lens 50 is moved within the space 15 of thelens movement portion 39 in the direction perpendicular to the page ofFIG. 10B, passed through the insertion tube 32 provided integrally withthe attachment portion 35, and then pushed into the eye. Since uponpressing of the push member 43 the protrusions 43c come into engagementwith the depressions 41e, the intraocular lens 50 having been moved tothe lens movement portion 39 is prevented from reassuming its originalshape, and reliable positioning is effected.

The lens case 40 is preferably transparent or semi-transparent, whichallows an operator to check whether the lens 50 has been moved to thelens movement portion 39.

Further, it becomes possible to check whether the space 15 for allowingmovement of the intraocular lens 50 is formed between the lower surfaceof the lens case top 41 and the lens movement portion 39 of theattachment portion 35. In other words, the push member 43 of the lenscase top 41 provides two functions; i.e., the function for moving thelens 50 downward and the function for forming the lens movement space 15in cooperation with the attachment portion 35.

As described above, the lens case 40 of the second embodiment—whichconsists of the lens case base 42 and the lens case top 41 including thenipping member 41a and the push member 43—provides a portion of themechanism of the insertion device 30 upon attachment thereto.

Further, the present embodiment is characterized in that a portion ofdeforming means for deforming the intraocular lens 50 to a reduced sizeis formed integrally with the lens case 40.

That is, when the lens is moved to the lens movement portion 39 of theattachment portion 35, the lens is deformed to a reduced size. This sizereduction is achieved by three design features; i.e., the lens movementportion 39 being formed into a form of a curved groove, the lens 50being moved while been pressed toward the lens movement portion 39 bythe lens case top 41, and the dimensional 1 of the lens movement portion39 being smaller than the dimension K of the lens 50.

FIG. 11 is a front view of an insertion device showing one modificationof the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B in a state in whichthe lens case 40 is separated from the insertion device 30.

In this modification, the lens case 40 is attached to the insertiondevice in a manner different from that described with reference to FIGS.7A and 7B in which the lens case 40 is attached to the attachmentportion 35 of the insertion device 30 from above. That is, after thelens case 40 in an inverted state is placed on a lens case support 60,the insertion device 30 is inverted, and the attachment portion 35 ofthe insertion device 30 is elastically fitted onto the lens case base 42of the lens case 40. The remaining structure is the same as that of theabove-described second embodiment.

During use of the insertion system, an operator wears gloves, whichhinders fine operation. Therefore, attachment of the lens case 40 ispreferably performed in a method in which an operator places the lenscase 40 on a support, holds in his hand the insertion device 30, whichis larger and easier to hold than the lens case 40, and fits it onto thelens case 40 from above.

FIG. 12 shows cross sections corresponding to those of FIGS. 10A and 10Band showing another modification of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.7A and 7B, in which the lens case has a modified base portion.

A lens case base 72 of a lens case 70 according to the presentmodification has an opening 72a on the top surface, and also has anengagement groove 72c in one of opposite side walls 72b. The engagementgroove 72c penetrates the corresponding side wall 72b in a directionperpendicular to the lens insertion direction, and the attachmentportion 35 is inserted into the lens case base 72 through the engagementgroove 72c. When the lens case base 72 is attached to the attachmentportion 35, the relative positioning between the lens case base 72 andthe attachment portion 35 is effected by means of a projecting edge 72dformed at the engagement groove 72c and one of the inner surfaces of theside walls 72b.

Further, persons having skill in the art find that the lens case 70 maybe easily attached to the insertion device 30 by a different method inwhich an operator places the lens case 70 on a table, holds in his handthe insertion device 30, and fits the attachment portion 35 into thelens case 70 through the engagement groove 72c.

During use of the invention system, an operator wears gloves, whichhinders fine operation. Therefore, attachment of the lens case 70 ispreferably performed in a method in which an operator places the lenscase 70 on a support, holds in his hand the insertion device 30, whichis larger and easier to hold than the lens case 70, and fits it onto thelens case 70 from one side thereof.

The remaining structure is the same as that of the above-describedsecond embodiment. When the intraocular lens 50 is to be inserted intothe eye, the push member 73 of the lens case top 71 is depressed tothereby move the introcular lens 50 into the lens movement portion 39 ofthe attachment portion 35, and the intraocular lens 50 is then insertedinto the eye from the tip end of the insertion tube through advancementof the push rod 33.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a modified example of the insertion tube32 of the insertion device 30 used in the second embodiment.

In this modification, the insertion tube 32 is formed integrally withthe attachment portion 35 of the insertion device 30, such that agroove-shaped curved depression 39a serving as a lens deforming means isformed on the base end side of the insertion tube 32.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, thepresent invention may be practiced otherwise than as specificallydescribed herein.

1. An insertion system for an intraocular lens comprising: anintraocular lens having a deformable optical portion; a lens package forstoring the lens in a state in which no stress acts on the opticalportion of the lens; an insertion device having an insertion tubethrough which the deformed lens is inserted into an eye, the insertiondevice having a major axis, the insertion device having a means forremovably holding the lens package, the means for removably holdingbeing associated with and in communication with the insertion tube, themeans for removably holding defining a support which lies parallel tothe major axis and an open portion opposite the support, the openportion shaped to receive the lens package; and a pusher mechanism forpushing and inserting the lens into the eye.
 2. An The insertion systemfor an intraocular lens according to claim 1, further comprising adeforming means, wherein the deforming means is formed integrally withthe insertion tube.
 3. An The insertion system for an intraocular lensaccording to claim 1, further comprising a deforming means, wherein thedeforming means is formed integrally with the lens package.
 4. An Theinsertion system for an intraocular lens according to claim 1, whereinwhen the lens package is attached to the insertion device, the center ofthe lens coincides with the center axis of a push rod which constitutesthe pusher mechanism.
 5. An The insertion system for an intraocular lensaccording to claim 1, further comprising a lens moving mechanism formoving the lens from a standby position at which the center of the lensdoes not coincide with the center axis of a push rod which constitutesthe pusher mechanism to an insertion position at which the center of thelens coincides with the center axis of the push rod.
 6. An insertionsystem for an intraocular lens, comprising: an intraocular lens having adeformable optical portion; holding means for holding the lens at astandby position in a state in which no stress acts on the opticalportion of the lens; an insertion device having an insertion tubethrough which the deformed lens is inserted into an eye, and a pushermechanism for pushing and inserting the lens into the eye, wherein theholding means includes a lens moving mechanism, the lens movingmechanism lockably engaging the holding means in a first position whenthe lens is held at the standby position, the lens moving mechanism formoving the lens from the standby position to an insertion position atwhich the pusher mechanism can push and insert the lens into the eye. 7.The insertion system for an intraocular lens according to claim 6,wherein a portion of the deforming means is provided on the lens movingmechanisms.
 8. The insertion system for an intraocular lens according toclaim 6, wherein the intraocular lens is an intraocular lens having adeformable optical portion and loop-shaped support portions each forminga predetermined angle with respect to the optical portion, and wherein asupport-portion holding mechanism for holding the support portions at apredetermined angle is provided.
 9. The insertion system for anintraocular lens according to claim 6, wherein the lens moving mechanismand the holding means lockably engage in a second position when the lensis in said insertion position.
 10. The insertion system for anintraocular lens according to claim 6, wherein the lens has a center andthe pusher mechanism has a center axis, wherein the center of the lensdoes not coincide with the center axis of the pusher mechanism when thelens is in the standby position.
 11. An insertion system for adeformable intraocular lens in a package, the system comprising: aninsertion device having a major axis, the insertion device defining atubular portion and having a means for removably holding the a packagefor storing the lens in a state in which no stress acts on the opticalportion of the lens, the means for removably holding being associatedwith and in communication with the tubular portion, the means forremovably holding defining a support which lies parallel to the majoraxis and an open portion opposite the support, the open portion shapedto receive the package; and a pushing mechanism for movement within thetubular portion and the means for removably holding, the pushingmechanism acting to deform the lens and push the lens without thepackage out of the insertion system.
 12. The insertion system of claim11 wherein the package holds the lens in a non-deformed state.
 13. Theinsertion system of claim 11 wherein the means for removably holding hasa means for connecting to the package and receives the deformableintraocular lens in a non-deformed position.
 14. The insertion system ofclaim 11 wherein the package defines an opening for release of thedeformable intraocular lens.
 15. The insertion system of claim 11wherein the means for removably holding has two sides connected to thesupport, the two sides being situated opposite of each other and eachhaving a major surface, one of the two sides having its major surfaceabutting and communicating with the tubular portion.
 16. The insertionsystem of claim 11 wherein the deformable intraocular lens has anoptical portion and support portions connected to the optical portion,the package having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein thepackage interacts with the support portions so that the optical portionremains free from contact with the inner surface.
 17. The insertionsystem of claim 11 wherein the package is a quadrilateral shape.
 18. Aninsertion system for a deformable intraocular lens, the systemcomprising: an insertion device defining a tubular portion and havingmeans for removably holding the deformable intraocular lens, the meansfor removably holding being associated with the tubular portion; a lensmoving means lockably engageable with the means for removably holding,the lens moving means movable from a first position to a second positionwherein the lens is held in a deformed position in the second positionand in a non-deformed state in the first position; and a pushingmechanism for movement within the tubular portion to push the lens outof the system.
 19. The insertion system of claim 18 wherein thedeformable intraocular lens has an optical portion and support portionsconnected to the optical portion, the means for removably holding havingan inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the means for removablyholding interacts with the support portions so that the optical portionremains free from contact with the inner surface of the removablyholding means.
 20. The insertion system of claim 18 wherein the pushingmechanism comprises a push rod having a center axis, and the lens has acenter, wherein the center of the lens does not coincide with the centeraxis of the push rod when the lens is in the standby position.
 21. Theintraocular lens insertion system of claim 18, wherein the lens movingmeans comprises a push member, the push member having protrusions formedon a lower peripheral surface and wherein the removably holding meanscomprises a hollow nipping member, the hollow nipping member having atleast one set of depressions on an inner surface of the hollow nippingmember, the protrusions on the push member lockably engaging with the atleast one set of depressions on the hollow nipping member resulting inthe lens being held in the non-deformed state.
 22. The intraocular lensinsertion system of claim 21, wherein the hollow nipping member furtherhas a second set of depressions on a lower portion of the inner surfaceof the hollow nipping member than is the first set of depressions, theprotrusions of the push member lockable engaging with the second set ofdepressions of the hollow nipping member resulting in the lens beingheld in the deformed position.
 23. An insertion system for a deformableintraocular lens, the system comprising: packaginga package forremovably holding the deformable intraocular lensstoring the lens in astate in which no stress acts on the optical portion of the lens; aninsertion device having a major axis, the insertion device defining atubular portion and having a means for removably holding the package,the means for removably holding being associated with and incommunication with the tubular portion, the means for removably holdingdefining a support which lies parallel to the major axis and an openportion opposite the support, the open portion shaped to receive thepackage; and a pushing mechanism for movement within the tubular portionand the means for removably holding, the pushing mechanism acting todeform the lens and push the lens without the package out of theinsertion system.
 24. The insertion system of claim 23 wherein the meansfor removably holding has a means for connecting to the package andreceives the deformable intraocular lens in a non-deformed position. 25.The insertions system of claim 23 wherein the package defines an openingfor release of the deformable intraocular lens.
 26. The insertion systemof claim 23 wherein the means for removably holding has two sidesconnected to the support, the two sides being situated opposite of eachother and each having a major surface, one of the two sides having itsmajor surface abutting and communicating with the tubular portion. 27.The insertion system of claim 23 wherein the deformable intraocular lenshas an optical portion and support portions connected to the opticalportion, the package having an inner surface and an outer surface,wherein the package interacts with the support portions so that theoptical portion remains free from contact with the inner surface of thepackage.
 28. The insertion system of claim 23 wherein the package is aquadrilateral shape.
 29. A method for intraocular lens insertion bymeans of an insertion device having a removable holding means and a lensmoving device, the method comprising the steps of: placing a deformablelens in the removable holding means; lockably engaging the lens movingdevice with the removable holding means in a first position, whereby theremovable holding means holds the deformable lens in a non-deformedstate; lockably connecting the lens moving device with the removableholding means in a second position, whereby the removable holding meansholds the deformable lens in a deformed state; and pushing thedeformable lens through the insertion device into an eye.
 30. The methodfor intraocular lens insertion of claim 29 whereby in the step oflockably engaging a center of the lens does not coincide with a centeraxis of a pushing mechanism and in the step of lockably connecting thecenter of the lens coincides with the center axis of the pushingmechanism.
 31. The method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the step oflockably engaging further comprises the step of supporting the lenswhereby an optical portion of the lens remains free from contact with aninner surface of the removable holding means.